Use our rumours form to send us leeds transfer rumours.
29 May 2012 23:36:38
this might be old news but was just listening to an interview on bbc with warnock and at the end he says if i got a million pound i would have to buy 5 players with that, Bates obviously isnt opening his wallett, bring on the investment!
29 May 2012 23:25:00
Can help but feel we are all getting ahead of ourselfs and setting up for a huge disappointment, everyone dreaming of billionaires taking over and whisking the club off it's feet and kissing goodbye to the colonel, I do admit I'm keeping all fingers and toes crossed but we don't know the full story yet, it could be just a simple investor that adds to the board and sanders stays put, and how upset will we all be then, think everyone should wait for more details first before expecting good times ahead, us Leeds fans are always getting lubed and fluffed up just to be let down
He is probably getting a few million to build the casino...Nothing else.
29 May 2012 23:00:19
maybe, just maybe this new investment will enable warnock to offer fresh improved terms to the likes of white clayton and mcormack is he sees fit that they deserve it. It would help because clayton is defo one of the best young midfielders in the ch white has some potential and mc scores goals. Team chemistry and understanding would also benefit. I reckon snoddy will extend talks because he will understand that not much will be happening until this is solved one way or another so there is hope that we may keep some of our best players only if the deal goes through, and the new group proves commitment with transfer fees and competitve league wages
29 May 2012 22:33:31
I live in the states now.... formerly from Leeds and a huge Whites fan since 1965. Here's what I just read Toronto newspaper 'National Post' website....
"Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has been linked with investing in an English soccer team for the second time this month.
MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum was supposedly interested in English Championship team Nottingham Forest, according to British reports earlier this month. This week, the British media has MLSE, which owns Toronto FC in Major League Soccer, kicking the tires of another Championship team, Leeds United. The Championship league is a tier below the English Premier League.
English Daily Mirror soccer writer Ian Edwards tweeted early Tuesday morning a rumour that MLSE was interested in Leeds United."
Perhaps there is a God afterall. Could this be the light at the end of our very long tunnel?
Stateside White
They have denied its them via twitter...
Dont they have a track record for extremely high ticket pricing ? I would be very careful about what were wishing for.
29 May 2012 21:44:18
I heard that two of the three bidders come from Chicago and Singapore
29 May 2012 21:43:34
Never mind about the take over talks. congratulations to Tom lees on signing a 4 year deal. at least we have 1 player who shows loyalty. All the best Tom. {Ed013's Note - Well said, great news. At least we have the start of something, what ever it is, developing! So for next season we will see Pearce, Lee's and Becchio for sure, unless someone bids silly money for Becchio. Oh yes and Pugh!}
Indeed - loyalty that in all the takeover speculation has been overlooked - Well done young man and good luck
29 May 2012 21:38:16
Just a thought but maybe this investment thing is not actually a takeover, as the officlial site says its a long term investment. Maybe it will be a stadium sponsorship like Leicester and Newcastle did last season with remnaming the stadium. That way we could spend more and still be inside the financial fair play rules. Just a thought.
WARNING: Imagine... KB spends 2 months negotiating investment rather than a buy out. He doesnt get anyone buying in to it as he wants to stay on. End of July we have NW with no players and no money to spend. 'HORRIFIED BY THE THOUGHT'...But a stark reality
Cant rename something thats not yours
29 May 2012 21:33:20
The futures bright.
The futures white.
Mot
Let's hope it's right
Else it could turn out s**te
And bates is tight
Time to go....night night
29 May 2012 21:20:03
I'm super excited.
But now I'm hearing that Bates has had an extremely serious fall and that's why he's selling up?
As much as I hate him, I feel for him if it's true.
Get well soon Kennethy (though after the deal has gone through please)
#thistimenextyear
I dont like KB but I appreciate what he's done in making us an attractive buy having been in dire state few years ago. If he leaves now I will still appreciate his time with us.... 'Ken', please dont spoil the party by dragging your heals and staying. Take the money and run
So maybe wishes do come true
29 May 2012 20:56:56
The club obviously know the rumours & it's very strange that the club & Ken Bates have kept so quiet whereas TMLS straight away denied the takeover rumour. Also why offer 400 grand for a player, be the preferred choice for the player, then decide not to bother even though you obviously have the funds as a profit making organisation to fund the deal. Have the papers say that you can't afford a £400 grand deal, indicating you are not a serious challenger for next year obviously affecting the quality of player that you can attract to the club and still all the while not making a statement.
We'll see what happens............................one can only hope.
29 May 2012 20:20:30
you heard it here first!
chicargo based investers are in for are club, did a little looking about. I have found are man, his name is Jerry Reinsdorf. He's a massive sports mogul and is worth billions, at last, we can now look to the promise lands. Don't forget its not a fact yet.
Lets hope that i am right and this man wants are club.
mot4life
According to google he's 76, has owned the Chicago Bulls and White Sox for 20 years and has an estimated worth of $350million.
Notable mentions about his handling of a certain Michael Jordan...
Sure we'll be linked with every businessman/group from Chicago for the time being. Just please don't let it be another Glazers
Nett worth is reported $350million not quite Billions quoted also what evidence do you have that this is the man other than he owns Chicago Bulls - The money will be great but like most Leeds fans I have my fingers crossed the whoever it is they want what I wish for our great club in their plans
Reply to person above. I put at the end, that this is not fact and like you say they'll be hundreds of millionaires in chicargo. Its one of the top citys for rich billionaires living there. I just looked for most sportyest person and came up with him.
mot4life
Indeed you did - whoever they maybe lets hope that they have the best interests of Leeds United at the heart of their plans
Ive heard its the miller guy who wanted Rangers from a good source o.w
29 May 2012 20:15:47
got a funny feeling that leeds will not get taken over and it will only be an investment which bates will spend on hotels and anything else other than players
hope im wrong would love leeds to get a new owner with money who doesnt over spend and sends us in debt again but enough to get us promotion and slowly back in to a established premier league side
time to go bates bye bye
29 May 2012 20:03:27
chicago based firm believed to be behind the takeover, source- look north news more to come 10.25pm! m.j
29 May 2012 19:57:59
what do you think about andy white
Whos andy white ? i personally know aidy white
I think he plays LB and LM, am i right. I also think he's a greedy little tw=t.
mot4life
Cash in on him !! Gj
Andy sorry about that
Not type mate - i prefer mine in skirts
Aidy, short for Aidan.
Overrated. All pace, no footballing brain. Happy to see him go. Much prefer to see Snoddy, McCormack & Clayton being given a proper deal to stay. {Ed013's Note - Can you start signing off your posts mate. You are on here a lot and I want to add you to the regular fans on our database. I have your e-mail address, it helps you get your posts out quicker and people will be more familiar with you etc. Thanks}
29 May 2012 19:25:24
the group looking into investing (takeover ) leeds united are a chicago bases group was shopwn around elland road and thorpe arch last friday source phil hays yep
Its AL, you know the one, AL CAPONE. He's a distant cousin of papa smurf and has a really crap book keeper like papa smurf.
mot4life
29 May 2012 19:14:13
As I'm sure the majority of us are, today's news is unbelieveably exciting for us Leeds United fans. Hopefully, money is swiftly put on the table, Bates sees the offer fit, and before we know it, we have knew owners. I, along with many others hope this possible new takeover brings a lot of money to the club and the squad - please, please, please let a successful deal go through so we have the team to win promotion from this league and get back to the promise land.
I don't believe in God but I will be praying every passing day for some good news!
MOT - Come on Boys!
JS LUFC
This is the best news in years. 4 days ago we wouldn't of even dreamed something like this could happen to a massive club like are's. If everytrhing goes to plan, we can wave goodbye to tiny little hudds, as we've got bigger fish to fry.
My fingers are crossed.
The white flag is flying high and on it is, chicargo!
mot4life
Amen !!
29 May 2012 19:11:08
Anyone know of who these mysterious investors are other than mlse?
I heard that there was an Arab interested :D
LufcJay
29 May 2012 18:57:48
TALK SPORT; Listening to them today whilst travelling and they read out on news that Leeds were subject to investment talks with potential takeover. No mention of who this was but its just nice to know that its not just a sad old rumour.
29 May 2012 18:49:45
Rumour has it big K.B is feeling a little Pat and Mick..!
I don't know whether to wish a speedy recovery or drop some cyanide in his medicine
Am i been a little facetious here?
29 May 2012 18:24:54
if leeds get taken over we will for sure keep our top players . plz be true .
White & Ross will still go. Clayton & Snodders may stay.
Please GOD let the takeover happen.
For affordable money, there's better than snoddy out there !!
29 May 2012 18:20:15
Michael Vaughan on twitter- @VaughanCricket: Managed 13 holes against @p20ddy today.Had to escape.All he spoke about was Warnock.When he signs for Leeds I reckon he will live with him
Wedge LUFC
I´m not so sure about that, possible a WEDGE between them, lol
I for one really hope he doesn't sign, lonergan is just as good if not better, it's a sidewards step I personally think, he will not offer more to the club he is an average keeper that never looks in control, sherly we can get better than a fat never hasbeen, hope he goes back to Sheffield
And that's putting it mildly
29 May 2012 16:58:12
MLSE announcement was for the naming rights for their academy by KIA.
Liked the look of them too. Anyone looks better than Mr B though.
29 May 2012 16:53:53
I can confirm that I will be tabling a firm offer for a controlling stake in Leeds United tomorow afternoon, IF i win £72m tonight on the Euromillions.
IT COULD BE YOU! lol
Bates may have saved the club from extinction, but if he doesnt invest in the playing squad NOW, we will be relegated next season.
In the words of Morrissey,
" good times for a change, see the luck i had, can make a good man turn bad, so please please please, let me, get what i want. Lord knows it will be the first time"
Sentiments every Leeds fan can take heart to.
Its time for the white knight to rise and take our beloved club we have all idolised since childhood where it belongs, The premierleague. We belong battling amongst the Elite.
Marcus
29 May 2012 16:46:00
Leeds United is talking to potential new owners but the groups do not include Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd.
An MLSE source said there was no truth to reports in the English media that it is a potential new owner of Leeds United. This came almost five years to the day after news surfaced the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs was thinking about buying a team that could play in the English Premier League, with Leeds United as a potential target. However, MLSE abandoned the idea after its investigation showed English soccer could be a treacherous money pit.
In a statement on its website, Leeds United said it "can confirm that talks are taking place regarding investment for the long-term future. The club has always publicly stated that it would welcome potential investment." The team did not identify any of the potential investors.
Leeds United has one similarity to the Maple Leafs - it is a team with a far more glorious past than present. In the last 10 years it fell into financial difficulty, which resulted in the large-scale sale of players and relegation from the Premier League. Leeds fell as far as League One, the third division in the English system, before being promoted back to the second division, The Championship, in 2010. The team finished 14th in The Championship last season but has a large fan base and still hopes to get back to the Premier League if the right investors can be found.
29 May 2012 16:24:28
Latest tweet from Canada.......
We love the enthusiasm of #LUFC Fans! However to repeat our response from last week - there is no truth to the rumours. #leedsunited
Smokescreen???
29 May 2012 15:53:18
Please can we all stop the anti bates carp now. He has got us stable and now it seems he is trying to get extra funds to make the final push. Don't get carried away just yet tho as we all know what happened to liectwerps last season. I just think we all need to unite now and get behind EVERYONE as if all bates plans do come off we will be a real force in any league, not many self sufficient teams in any league nowadays
Keep the faith and see you all next season singing as one MOT good times may just be around the corner!!
Chorley White
Well said chorley! we could have worse than him, lets hope it comes off oldham white
No he didn't - he manipulated the administration into which he placed us. He has consistently brought the club into disrepute with numerous court cases, hiding ownership and so on. We will not stop until he has gone.
BATES OUT.
29 May 2012 15:45:56
Just a thought on the wording of the "investment" statement on the OS. The company i work for became insolvent last year and before the administrators came in the company made a statement that they were in financial difficulty and were looking at investment to ensure their future. As it transpired we were then subsequently bought out by another company within the same month. I wouldnt get too hung-up on the word "investment" as not being a buy-out, i would look at the fact that a statement has been made and this would suggest (judging on my what happened with my company) that whatever follows next will happen quite quickly. The only thing that i can see slowing the deal down will be the need to unravel KB's offshore web!
29 May 2012 14:41:37
Don't get to exicted with this takeover you can only spent 3 million in the championship that would get us no where a good 15 million would sort this club out never gonna happen BATES IN LOVE THE MAN LEGEND {Ed013's Note - 6 million this season from investment}
Plus whatever funds are generated from player sales.
Do like man city have done and sponsor a ground they dont own for £450 million!! o.w
Plus gate receipts, sponsorship, merchandising, banqueting. i.e. anything earned +£6m.
29 May 2012 14:35:47
i get the impression, bates doesnt really want to sell, he wants investment, so someone else can buy all the players, and he doesnt have dip into his own pocket, but hey fingers crossed...hx white
29 May 2012 14:14:02
If you look at the situation if Bates was thinking of not accepting bids for investment then, why pull out of the ward deal, surely it would have made more sense to still get the targets we have set, if you know that no extra money would be forthcoming. With or without extra income we still need to build a team or squad strong enough to compete for promotion next season, so loosing out on targets would not make sense.
You've lost me with this one. If Bates was selling the club then he wouldn't spend. He would keep his cash. If big investment was coming in Warnock might be looking at more expensive players than Ward. JD
With more money surely our targets will go up a notch,hopefully premiership quality,or top end championship players,we live in hope.
That's exactly what I mean Bates would not have pulled out of the ward deal if he thought there was not bigger money coming into the club or if he had no intention of selling, so his actions to me means that a take over is the more likely outcome.
Makes no odds, from a legal perspective, whether he spends on Ward or not since the money belongs to the club as a separate legal entity.
Bates may own the club but he still has to account for the money in accounts filed at Companies House. If he trousers the club's cash as a dividend in the UK it's taxed at 50% so he's better off investing the club's money in players then selling the club and paying capital gains tax at between 10% (Entrepreneurs Rate Relief) and 40%, maybe less if the parent company is offshore.
The only explanations for pulling out of the Ward deal are that the price was too high or the potential investors wanted a freeze during negotiations.
Let's just hope it's the latter.
29 May 2012 14:02:15
Let's not get over excited. A bid (or bids) might have been received but greed B****** Bates might not accept it (them). If he wants too much for a share the investors might walk away, I hope not.
This might answer why we did not go for Joel Ward. Potentially we could be looking at a better class of player.
The silence on transfers from ER has been deafening perhaps we now know why. We have all been doom and gloom about Warnock resigning because of a lack of backing. I for one kept the faith. If Snodgrass was leaving, Warnock wouldn't have come out and said I can see his viewpoint.
Let's all stop being negative and pray for some results.
29 May 2012 13:58:43
watch all the contracts get signed as soon as this investment is finalised.
If...Is they word you are looking for.
Who is going to do business with Bates !
True, but you can only be optimistic if the OS is reporting it.
I would not let them sign contracts now, sod them all.
Hi, can think of one person who did business with Mr Bates,
I think his first name be Roman,
or maybe I am think of two different people.
tRip
29 May 2012 13:39:28
Joel Ward has shown lack of ambition going to Crystal Palace! He would have been a great signing imo.
Agree, but is old news now. Time to start looking forward not back.
29 May 2012 12:58:59
if leeds do get bought, next season will be OUR SEASON!!
we'll get some great players MOT MOT MOT MOT!!
Your way ahead of reality..
29 May 2012 12:52:35
Let's be honest this takeover stuff will probably come to nothing. Don't know we're we are getting funds from though. We need two fullbacks and another cb. Two central midfielders since clay ton is leaving. Another winger or two if snodgrass leaves. And maybe two strikers if McCormack leaves. I really do believe we could be in trundle if we don't get new investment
Is that lee trundle?
Wow calm down, your optimism is out of control!
When the first poster says Trundle I think he means s***.
29 May 2012 12:23:57
ok now we know its true and if we thought our rumours are mad now oh god gonna have some laugh readin the rumours that are gonna come!
i suppose del piero is on the way were gonna hijack chelsea for hazard! michael owen too! but all jokes aside its the most excited i've been since we were in the PL lets hope snodgrass puts pen to paper for a start wont happen though i feel! but at least we might buy a player ya we bought pearce for peanuts i mean some real talented players now if we get this investment give NW 5 mil to sort a team out or push the boat out for 10 mil!
whhhooooo! MOT and not to the dole office we might actually have money to spend! well done too l.u.s.t you were spot on! but i must say ed this is by far my favourite site of all just love the banter and the madness! cant wait to see what the summer holds! leeds leeds leeds! irish leeds fan! {Ed013's Note - Cheers mate, its good news, but remember early days. What ever happens keep the white flag flying high}
Why lust! it says thy asked but are nothing to do with this offer! they could kill any deal if not careful o.w
Think you'll find LUST was central to getting this process moving mate and all those who expressed anti-LUST sentiments on here should be ashamed. True supporters looking to the long term future of the club.
29 May 2012 12:20:34
Takeover/investors who cares it's all good and will strengthen the club.
Looks like it's going to go through. If it does it will certainly create funds for the Warlock to purchase the players he wants & push for promotion to the promised land.
MOT
29 May 2012 12:03:30
Ssn are now showing the same statement...
It now says a `group` of potential investors....
29 May 2012 11:49:58
Is all this investment/takeover a welcome smokescreen for Bates so that he has a excuse for sanctioning summer signings. If it is investment that he is looking for, that shouldn't have been an excuse for not signing Ward who Colin seemingly wanted.
THis may be very pessimistic but even so this is a sign of how low trust in the current regime has sunk? And why would any sound investor trust Bates. They wouldn't. Harding at Chelsea is just one of tens of examples. LLHB, MOT.
Robin
Have anyone thought why bates is quite and wants to sell, there maybe a more simple explanation to do with the state of his health. He has been under a lot of scrutiny and coupled with his age may now have taken its toll. That would be sad for him but may explain the present situation.
29 May 2012 11:39:14
This news is fantastic!
I have been aware of all the rumours this past week, although I have been very sceptical, then I seen it all confirmed on OS and SSN, I relly hope that this deal goes through and our suffering can end with good strong investment in the club.
Although on a sidenote I would also say that I have always supported Ken bates for saving us at our darkest hour, I do believe he has had a vision all along that is now taking fruition, and obviously there will be alot of money in it for him personally.
I just hope that he does'nt scupper this deal with his demands.
MOT
I would like to see the back of bates, but that said i dont want to become another city or chelsea
Premier League Champions or Champion's League winners? Nah, neither do I...
TBH I know what you mean and I agree :-)
When will people get it into thier heads its only money and lots of it thats ever going to get Leeds back to the premier league let alone win anything,football is big business now not a romantic game.
29 May 2012 11:26:41
Club statement confirms that Leeds are in talks with regard to a potential investor. I only hope that if this is a takeover that it is not some dodgy Asian businessman such as Venkys at Blackburn and Bates stays true to his word and that he will only sell if it is in the best interests of the club. If this is to be the end of Bates then I personally would like to thank him for at least putting the club back onto a firm footing when it would have been easier to walk away when the abuse started and let us rot.
29 May 2012 11:25:59
Leeds have officially said they are in 'discussions' regarding the future of the club. NO other comment will be made by the club at this time.
It looks like something is happening after the club has settled the debts we had when we were in administration. Source LUFC
Keith M O T
29 May 2012 11:25:35
its official - we are in talks with investors, states it on the official site yay mot motchorley white
29 May 2012 11:24:16
Rumours are true on the o.s and on sky sports new, let hope we get some onvest quick!! o.w
29 May 2012 11:23:16
Club announcement has stated "long term investment" talks are in place for the "long term furture of the club"... Technically not a buy out YET...
Source:- Katherine Hannah Twitter (Radio Leeds)
Katherine Hannah
@KatherineLeeds
29 May 2012 09:58:41
If these takeover rumours were true do you not think they would be all over the press and Sky Newsby now?
Think its just a smokescreen personally.
Not necessarily, sky don't usually put news on until it's odds on to happen , if talks are at an advanced stage, we will know soo enough
MOT
I guess so..It probably just another company owen by Ken Bates knowing our luck.
Just so you know, there is a statement on the official site
There is a lord
MOT
They are!!!!! just come on now o.w
Its on the official site now
it is only investment tho so may just be 20% or something all good tho mot
chorley white
It's appeared on yep on line this morning
Look at the official web site it is true .........
29 May 2012 09:48:11
all the talk of take overs please god let them be ture and finally rid the club of greedy bull s**tter on hope bates
29 May 2012 09:11:16
To all you leeds fans out there. Congratulations to us all. Deal looks pretty much done with maple leaf. I'm truly so pleased for us all and let's now just wait for that confirmation expected within the week. LEEDS FOREVER
Phil hay has just tweeted MLSE are not involved in any bid
29 May 2012 08:22:30
Fellow Leeds Fans and Ed's alike...I work for an insolvency firm in Birstall and deal with Walker Morris on a daily basis! When i first saw the rumours about a takeover i got straight in touch to find out if they knew anything.
I emailed my contact, who shall remain unamed, asking if Walker Morris knew anything about the circulating rumours of a takeover/potential investors...
This morning i received a reply which simply said...
"Hi mate
I'm good thanks, how are you?
We are dealing with it but I can't say a great deal at the moment as it's all subject to confidentiality agreements.
I hope everything is good at your end.
Kind regards
********** *****
Solicitor
Walker Morris
Kings Court, 12 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HL"
So one thing is for certain...something GOOD is happening at Elland Road...something positive and something that is going to make us all happy!!
I thought you should all know straight away!!
MOT!!
Youngie {Ed013's Note - I hope you haven't dropped him in it by letting us know, but thanks for the info. Lets hope he isn't talking about a court case against us!}
No Ed, definitely not dropped him in it! He is going to keep me up to date on as much as he can do! So I will keep you posted with everything I get to know!
Youngie {Ed020's Note - keep us posted as best you can then}
29 May 2012 05:53:09
Guys I think this is probably the first time two rumours in a row turned out to be true! (to a degree) I didnt believe crystal palace had already gotten joel ward, nor did i believe that there was a potential takeover in place! Shows how easily true information gets mixed with all the garbage, but I for one will be quite annoyed if the takeover bid was the thing that blocked us getting ward
I would imagine so will Ward. That's the thing about previously keeping quiet about who the club is targeting, you alert other clubs if you make your targets known. Phil Bramley
29 May 2012 00:07:17
Dear Mr. Bates,
I am not exactly 'anti-bates', however I am a Leeds fan and I am disappointed with the lack of investment in the playing staff. I know what you have done to save our club and I am grateful, but please sell the club. You have taken us as far as you can and it is time to go, for the benifit of the club and yourself.
Sincerely
X
Nice post good to see instead of the vile some so called leeds fans write on here,i couldnt agree with you more !
Well said he as done better than some of the scroats who run us before morris etc o.w